ACFJ Final Projects

Make it PROJECTS with an S. To be able to pass the Diploma in Photojournalism course, the final requirements consist of the following:

  • 1 major photostory
  • 3 minor photostories, and
  • 15 single images

The above projects should also be on certain themes. As what was outlined in our guide, these are expected to be

on public affairs issues related to Ateneo de Manila University’s interest in promoting social development alternatives and social justice, e.g. issues related to poverty, governance, globalization, culture, the faith and education, etc…

Come to think of it, the Philippine setting is so rich in these aspects that it’s a virtual a mother lode waiting to be tapped and harnessed. So many stories to tell but unfortunately, too few are doing this. If there are photographers into this stuff, it’s really only on a handful of issues like the usual slums and poverty. Where are those dealing with reproductive health? Or current lifestyles like the call center/BPO phenomenon, the lives and dreams of simple people? Obscure stuff like anting anting (charms) and the people who abscribe to these? Are there anyone focusing on the the spirit of EDSA or even about this major artery? Or what about Filipino’s penchant of shopping and spending a sizeable part of their weekends in malls?

I have been toying about these stuff and many more that the possibilities are just endless. Once I had these ideas, assessing the feasibility of such projects is another thing. Just this morning, I got feedback that my friend’s coworkers doesn’t like the idea of me following them for even a week as he himself would not also want me to cover him. I’m still looking at possible options as I really would want to do about this booming industry.

Well, I’m still pursuing some leads and within this week, I need to firm these up as proposal submission is just a few days away.

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16 November 2008

3 Responses

  1. Sidney

    16 November 2008

    Estan… sorry… but you shouldn’t give up if one of your friends tell you that he don’t want the idea of being covered.
    That is a VERY bad excuse !!! (Your lucky I am not your professor ;-)
    Of course it is possible to cover the call center industry.
    Being a documentary photographer is not just taking pictures… it is also about being able to open doors that are closed to outsiders.
    90 % is preparation, courting people, making friends, finding leads…
    It took me ONE year before I was able to start taking pictures in jail. I spend countless hours and energy on this project, courting people…till I got the right guy who helped me with one signature! Never give up is my advice.
    It took me also more than a year to be able to cover the Rizalista.
    Every project is feasible…but you need the will to succeed, you need time and sometimes money.

    You need to befriend insiders who can show you their world. Otherwise you can forget it.

    I am sure that you are aware that some of those famous documentary photographers are spending years of their life on a single project.

  2. estan

    16 November 2008

    Sidney, I’m not losing hope. I at least have a lead that I’m trying to pursue. You’re right about what you said above, being a documentary photographer takes much effort and most of these can’t be seen in photos. These are behind the scenes that may take much effort than doing the story itself.

    Really, I’m in awe of your work as well because of the great lengths you’ve gone to just get these images.

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